S. Lane Tucker, U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney's Office District of Alaska
A Homer-based big game transporter has been sentenced to five years' probation for his role in transporting four illegally taken black bears on the Kenai Peninsula. Travis Larson, 49, operated through his company, Alaska Premier Sportfishing LLC (APS), providing transportation services for hunting and fishing trips aboard a liveaboard vessel named Venturess.
Court documents reveal that in May 2018, Larson facilitated a hunting trip for eight hunters, including four Norwegian nationals, without the required licensed hunting guide. The hunters paid $3,500 each for the excursion. During this trip, several black bears were killed unlawfully on lands belonging to both the State of Alaska and the Port Graham Corporation.
On October 9, 2024, Larson pleaded guilty to violating the Lacey Act by unlawfully transporting wildlife. He was fined $40,000 and ordered to pay $2,400 in restitution. Additionally, he must forfeit $150,000 and is prohibited from hunting or providing big game commercial services during his probation.
U.S. Attorney Michael J. Heyman emphasized the seriousness of Larson's actions: "Despite knowing and understanding all relevant regulations governing licensed transporters, Mr. Larson chose to completely disregard the law so he could make a profit." Heyman warned others in the industry about potential prosecutions if they ignore regulations.
Doug Ault from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service highlighted the impact of such illegal activities: "The facilitation of poaching and illegal transport of black bears by the defendant... poses a threat to our country's wildlife populations."
The investigation was conducted by the National Park Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth Brickey prosecuted the case.
